Courtesy Photo | Col. Robert G. Young, Third Army/U.S. Army Central Integrations Chief, is pinned with...... read more read more
Subscribe
FORT MCPHERSON, Ga. -- On July 2, Robert Young was promoted to the rank of colonel and designated as the Third Army/U.S. Army Central, Logistics Plans, Exercises, Programs and Policy chief. What appeared to be a momentous occasion celebrated by family and friends, held deeper meaning to a man whose career has been anything but average.
Over the years, Young has strived to achieve the highest level of success, even when faced with adversity and challenges. His journey has been defined by one word: perseverance.
In 1979, he was a high school dropout with a General Education Degree in hand, searching for his path in life. After visiting a recruiter in Erie, Penn., he packed his bag and headed off to basic and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Ga.
As an infantryman, he would head to Ft. Carson, Colo., to serve with the 4th Infantry Division. This was the type of discipline he felt he needed.
His first assignment taught him a lot, Young said. It was very unique, he added.
"I got out after serving three years on active duty," Young said. "I joined the 11th Special Forces Group in the reserves and realized that I wanted to go back on active duty in the airborne."
With the attitude that sums up who he is, Young not only earned his jump wings while serving in the Army Reserve, he also graduated in 1985 as a Distinguished Military Graduate and was awarded a Regular Army commission after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland.
Over the years, his desire to go airborne turned into him seeking more and more to hone his skills as a Soldier. He now holds an Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, U.S. Master Parachutist Badge, and the German, Canadian and Honduran Master Parachutist Badges and the Ranger Tab.
Young advanced through the ranks as an officer up until his time for promotion to colonel came. As a result of an adverse officer efficiency report he had hit a speed bump on his way to colonel that looked as though it might put the brakes on his movement through the ranks.
Once again he would be faced with a moment in his life where the determination and drive to succeed embedded deep inside of him would push him to persevere.
Instead of giving up or becoming disheartened, he took it as a challenge and worked through the system the Army has in place and didn't give up. He filed an appeal to the Officer Special Review Board that resulted in the determination that the OER was unjust, inaccurate and invalid. The OSRB directed it be removed from the record and a Special Selection Board be convened. He continued to be the above-average Soldier, a true professional, giving his all on a daily basis.
It finally paid off for him, some two years after the initial appeal. While serving in Kuwait during Third Army/USARCENT's exercise Lucky Warrior he received notification via email of the results of the Special Selection Board.
Young was getting ready to brief Gen. Anne E. Dunwoody, Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command.
"I knew Gen. Dunwoody when she was a major," Young said. "It was great to be able to show her the letter I had just received announcing that my promotion to colonel was approved and that it was back dated two years to 1 AUG 2007."
Being promoted to colonel confirmed his sense that the Army is a good institution and that ultimately the right things happen, he said.
Young's father and wife Sally pinned on his new rank as his five children watched.
His father is a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves.
"Having my Dad pin his eagles on me was the capstone or highlight of it all," he said. "I was tremendously happy my parents could be there."
Those he has worked alongside have also been inspired by his leadership.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Timothy Fahey, Third Army/USARCENT Mobility Officer, experienced firsthand the type of leader Young is when his mother fell ill last year. Fahey went home to care for his mother who was fighting a battle with cancer. While there, she passed away and Young was instrumental in pushing through his emergency leave, ensuring Fahey could focus on his family.
"He's a great leader," Fahey said. "There's no problem too big or too small. He always takes time to address the issues and helps you get through it."
In regards to his journey up to this point in his Army career, his advice to others is to never give up. He has passed this message on to his son who will be attending Marquette University in the fall with a Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship.
The message Young leaves for Soldiers is to always look forward.
"Persistence is the key to success in the Army," Young said. "If you want to go to jump school, you may have to fill out a 4187 five times before you get it. That fifth time might just make the difference. Don't give up."
"Know what your goals are and drive on," he said. "Whether it is to get a college degree, earn a commission, or become a sergeant major, drive on. Mentally, physically, and spiritually work to improve yourself every day and good things will happen....with God all things are possible."
| Date Taken: | 07.10.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 07.10.2009 15:36 |
| Story ID: | 36228 |
| Location: | FORT MACPHERSON, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 706 |
| Downloads: | 376 |
This work, Colonel perseveres, shares message of success with others, by SSG Beth Lake, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
